Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and serves as the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the British monarch. But who actually owns this grand palace in the heart of London? Let’s explore the history and ownership of Buckingham Palace.
Quick Facts About Buckingham Palace
Here are some quick facts about Buckingham Palace:
- Location: City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
- Built in 1703 as Buckingham House, enlarged in the 19th century
- Has 775 rooms including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms
- Has a total floor area of 77,000 square metres
- Surrounded by 40 acres of gardens
- Home of the British monarch since Queen Victoria in 1837
Who Built Buckingham Palace Originally?
Buckingham Palace was originally built in 1703 as a large townhouse for John Sheffield, the 1st Duke of Buckingham. He acquired a large piece of land in what was then countryside west of London and constructed a grand house originally known as Buckingham House. The house was built in the Baroque style popular at the time.
After being owned by several nobles and aristocrats over the next century, King George III acquired the house in 1762 for his wife Queen Charlotte as a comfortable family home close to St James’s Palace where many court functions were held. The house was then known as The Queen’s House.
King George IV and the Expansion
It was King George IV who decided to expand and renovate the house into a grand palace befitting a monarch. Starting in 1825, he commissioned architect John Nash to enlarge the house into a palace with a facade resembling a French chateau. Nash kept the north and south wings but added an extensive east wing with a triumphal arch in the center.
The costs of expanding the palace were extremely high, over £700,000, which provoked some public outrage. But the end result was a magnificent neoclassical palace with lavish interiors containing spacious rooms for entertaining and impressing foreign dignitaries.
Queen Victoria Makes Buckingham Palace the Official Royal Residence
When Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, Buckingham Palace became the official royal palace. She was the first monarch to take up residence there permanently. Previous monarchs had used St James’s Palace as their main London home and residence.
Queen Victoria realized Buckingham Palace was located more centrally within London and provided more space for official entertainments and functions. She oversaw further renovations and additions to make the palace layout more convenient and comfortable for a large royal household.
Several wings were added to provide more room for staff, guests, servants, and government offices. The public facade facing The Mall was also refinished in Portland stone to create the iconic frontage seen today.
20th Century Renovations and Repairs
In 1913, Buckingham Palace underwent extensive structural renovations and remodeling to replace outdated features with modern plumbing, heating, lighting and ventilation. New telephone and electrical systems were installed along with new bathrooms and kitchens.
During World War II, the palace suffered bombing damage from German air raids. Following the war, King George VI oversaw reconstruction efforts including replacing destroyed windows and ceilings in many rooms.
The palace today continues to undergo gradual renovations and repairs as needed to upgrade facilities. The recent decades have focused on improving access and amenities for visitors taking the summer tours.
Who Actually Owns Buckingham Palace Today?
Buckingham Palace is still owned today by the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, currently King Charles III. However, the ownership situation is a bit more complex than outright personal ownership.
The Palace and the Crown Estate are part of the monarch’s estate and contribute to supporting the royal household and expenses. But they are not considered the private property of the king or queen.
The Crown Estate belongs to the reigning monarch “in right of The Crown” meaning it is owned by the monarch in their official capacity representing the British nation and government. But the monarch does not have personal ownership or the right to sell any part of the Estate.
So in practical terms, Buckingham Palace belongs to the British nation and is held in trust by the reigning king or queen. The palace is part owned and managed by the Royal Household and also overseen by the government Department for Culture, Media & Sport.
Role and Operations of Buckingham Palace
As the official London residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace serves several important roles:
- Main administrative headquarters of the monarch and Royal Household
- Official reception area for welcoming foreign leaders and dignitaries
- Official state entertaining venue for banquets, receptions, and ceremonies
- Royal office space for the monarch and staff
- Accommodations for royal family members and guests
The palace has around 800 staff including royal chefs, footmen, cleaners, engineers, gardeners, and security personnel. Staff are responsible for maintaining and operating the expansive palace and grounds year-round. Staff carry out daily duties such as catering events, caring for guests, patrolling grounds, and upholding safety procedures.
The palace requires extensive coordination between royal officials, government departments, security services, and contractors to handle maintenance, incoming visitors, public tours, and special events throughout the year.
Interesting Facts About Owning Buckingham Palace
Here are some intriguing facts about the ownership and operations of Buckingham Palace:
- The palace furnishings, art, and decor are part of the Royal Collection held in trust by the monarch
- The Royal Collection of furnishings and art is estimated to be worth over £10 billion
- The palace roof contains 100,000 square feet of lead sheets weighing around 330 tons
- There are 660 windows and about 40,000 light bulbs in the palace
- Staff prepare around 5,000 meals annually in the kitchens
- Upkeep costs for the palace total around £100 million annually including repairs, utilities, cleaning etc.
Visiting Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is partially open to pre-booked public tours from late July to late September when the monarch is usually at the royal estate Balmoral in Scotland. Three tour routes allow visitors access to the lavish State Rooms, gardens, and special exhibitions.
Some key highlights for visitors include:
- The Throne Room with the monarch’s throne
- Exquisite French and Chinese porcelain collections
- Rembrandt and Canaletto paintings in the Picture Gallery
- Sculptures by Canova in the Marble Hall
- Faberge egg collection
- 39-acre garden with lake, wildflower meadow, and blooming flowers
Visiting provides a rare glimpse into the splendid interior and lifestyle of the British royals who have called Buckingham Palace their official home for over 180 years and counting.
Conclusion
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British royalty since 1837. This grand palace is owned by the reigning monarch “in right of The Crown” meaning on behalf of the British state. While the palace is not privately owned, it functions as the monarch’s primary home and workspace along with other royals and household staff.
Maintaining the massive palace and grounds involves considerable national resources and staffing. Regular public tours provide a unique opportunity to see inside the magnificent rooms and decor. Buckingham Palace remains an enduring symbol of the British monarchy open for all to enjoy.